INDIANAPOLIS – The answer didn’t seem forced or contrived. It was almost matter of fact.

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield stepped up to the podium Friday afternoon at the NFL scouting combine and confronted questions about incidents from his past, perceived deficiencies in his game, and his perceived brash personality.

“Until you sit down and talk to me, you might have an image that’s portrayed in stories or headlines, but I love the game,” Mayfield said. “I’m upfront and honest. I let them know exactly what I’m about. I think that’s the most important thing. What you see is what you get. I’ve always been brutally honest. Some people don’t like that because it’s rare nowadays, but I just go into these meetings and I’m just myself.”

Mayfield was arrested in Arkansas in February of 2017 and accepted a guilty plea on three misdemeanors of public intoxication, fleeing and disorderly conduct.

Then, in September, he also drew criticism for planting a Sooners flag at midfield after a 31-16 victory against Ohio State.

Finally, in November, after Kansas players refused a pregame handshake, he directed a crotch grab at their sideline.

“I tell them the true story,” Mayfield said of how he has addressed the incidents with NFL teams. “When I got tackled by the cops in Arkansas, I tell them the true story. When I talk about planting the flag against Ohio State, I talk about how it was an emotional win. That was one we worked for over a year for after they embarrassed us in our home stadium. And then when I talk about the Kansas thing, it’s about me drawing the line and being professional.

“If I want to be a franchise guy, there are certain things I can’t do, but I’m still going to be competitive and passionate. That’s what has gotten me to this point and I talk about it. And I’m upfront about it.”

Mayfield is expected to be an early first-round pick in April and one of the first quarterbacks off the board. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2016 and won it in 2017, after he completed 70.5% of his passes for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

“First things first, whatever team I go to, I’m not going to settle for a backup job,” Mayfield said. “I’ve never been like that and I never will. I’m going to push that person in front of me. When it comes down to it, the best man is going to win and I know that. But everyone has a role on the team. If you’re not improving and pushing those guys around you to be better, then you’re not doing it right.”

The Browns (picks No. 1 and No. 4), Giants (No. 2), Broncos (No. 5), and Jets (pick No. 6) are among the teams expected to consider drafting quarterbacks early in the first round.

“It would be a chance to play football,” Mayfield said of the Browns. “I would love that. First things first, they would get a winner. I think if anyone is going to turn that franchise around, it’s going to be me. I’d be able to put them in the right direction.

"They’re close. They’re very close. They have the right pieces. I think they just need one guy and the quarterback is going to make that difference.”